GREEN WEDDINGS

With the typical expenditure of a normal US wedding going at around $15,000 to $20,000, it’s evident that weddings leave a big footprint, both economically and also ecologically. It is a huge relief, therefore, when people in the wedding business announced that eco-friendly or “green” wedding has arrived. The interest in green weddings is blossoming from a desire to incorporate a few green elements, to making sure the entire celebration won’t contribute to the depletion of natural resources. Those less convinced will argue that global warming can’t be stop in a matter of a day, but certain choices made definitely can lessen the carbon footprint of the wedding.

Regardless of other choices made, the size of the wedding will be the biggest factor in the ecological and financial impact; each person invited means more miles traveled, more food consumed, a bigger venue, and more waste when it’s all over. Choosing a location that is as close to as many of your guests as possible will reduce your wedding’s impact in a big way. Try to provide as much information on transport options as possible, and let the guests know that you’d really appreciate it if they arrived by train, bus, bike, or at least by carpool. Better still, consider providing shuttle buses for out-of-town wedding; this way you don’t have to worry about drunk driving either. As for the invitation, there are an increasing number of suppliers of recycled, handmade, or tree-free invitations.

When looking to hire caterers, ask if they use organic products; nowadays more caterers are offering pesticide-free menus, fine china and linen napkins instead of throwaways. Foods, drinks and flowers are also worth sourcing locally. Even if you can’t establish the green credentials of every single supplier, you are already making a difference by asking questions about such issues. While a hemp suit may be a good eco-statement, you could be much better off with a traditional rental service if it is only going to be worn once. Web sites help newlyweds set up donations to charities that benefit the environment, so guests have an alternative to heavily wrapped presents.

Whatever you do to green your wedding, make sure you tell people about it. Take advantage of having your friends and family gathered in one place to do a little friendly education. Tell them about yourselves and about what is important to you. If you can create a wonderful, magical celebration that treads a little lighter on the planet, then people will remember it. Too many folks still believe environmentalism is all doom and gloom; this is the perfect opportunity to prove them wrong!

Anything you do to make your wedding a little more modest, from wearing a borrowed wedding dress to choosing recycled paper or a website for your invitations, will lower its contribution to carbon emissions. Consider it your wedding gift to the planet.

 The Above Has Been a Presentation Of

Alexander Event and Custom Catering